2016 Youth Leadership Summit Recap

Day 1

On Wednesday, July 13, students flew into Washington, DC from across the U.S. and globe to celebrate SCI’s largest Youth Leadership Summit yet with 115 participants in attendance. Delegates then checked in to the dorms at the George Washington University for a taste of college life.

That night, students kicked off the Summit with a reception at the Japanese Ambassador’s Residence where youth and adult conference attendees mingled, toured the beautiful Japanese gardens and tea house, ate delicious Japanese cuisine, and took photos with Japan’s Ambassador to the U.S. Ambassador Kenichirō Sasae and Mrs. Nobuko Sasae.

Day 2

The group then split off to visit their pick of Washington, DC’s many Smithsonian museums on the National Mall, and finished the afternoon with a view of the White House.On Thursday, delegates visited the U.S. Capitol building and were one of the first groups to visit the recently restored dome. Students were also able to sit-in on sessions of congress and spot a few high profile representatives.

"Once again sister cities has produced an amazing experience for all of us youth ambassadors. It’s not every day that high schoolers get to travel to the capital of the United States and participate in such an amazing experience that gives us the confidence and passion to genuinely make a difference in this world," a student said about her experience.

Day 3

On Friday, youth delegates participated in the Opening Ceremony as they acted as flag bearers for the Parade of Flags with flags from 130 different member cities across the globe.

The group then headed over to the law firm Hogan Lovells to take part in the U.S. Diplomacy Center’s diplomatic simulation. This year’s simulation focused on nuclear non-proliferation. Students learned about nuclear politics from senior scientist Mark Goodman of the International Security and Nonproliferation Bureau at the Department of State, then split into groups and assumed the roles of different actors in an international nuclear negotiation.

Though tensions and stakes were high, all groups were able to work together to reach peaceful agreements.

"We learned how to take the initiative to make conversation, compromise, and strive toward peaceful resolution," a student said.

That night, the group celebrated their accomplishments at a Nationals baseball game.

Day 4

On their final day, the group attended the Annual Conference including the Breakfast Keynote Foreign Diplomatic Corps Panel with the Ambassadors of Malta, the Republic of Serbia, and Armenia.

They also heard from elected officials from California and Texas and young professionals in Washington, DC who spoke to the importance of engaging younger generations with sister cities. Lastly, the youth attended the Keynote Luncheon with Secretary Norm Mineta.

"The panels were very inspiring and made me want to go back home with a plan to go out and help the communities around me," a student noted about her experience.

To close out the Conference, students presented what they had learned during the diplomatic simulation and reflected on their overall experiences during the Youth Leadership Summit.

Highlights from students:

"YLS was one of the BEST weeks of my life! I have met so many people that are working to achieve if not the same, than a similar goal as me. Speaking with them has opened my mind and shaped the way I think. This has been truly an AMAZING experience. 10/10, would recommend."

"Over the past four days I have met people from all over the country and we’ve become such great friends in such a short amount of time. This program introduces you to great inspiring leaders and expands your social network. It was an amazing experience."

"Sister Cities International is the pinnacle of citizen efforts to engage in diplomacy. This organization allows the youth of tomorrow to experience elements of domestic government, foreign policy making, the art of diplomacy, and the cultures of our ever changing universe. I am honored to have been a part of this summit."

That night, students enjoyed dancing and dessert after the Lou Wozar Diplomatic Awards Ceremony to celebrate their new friendships and connections.

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